Relatives stage protest in Konaseema; PHC staff deny charge, cite infant's health complications
Kakinada: An infant delivered by a woman from Pedamadiki village of I. Polavaram mandal in Konaseema district at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in T. Kothapalli village died late on Saturday night.
Relatives of the infant staged a dharna in front of the hospital, alleging that the baby had died due to negligence of the staff of the PHC. I. Polavaram police immediately arrived at the PHC and pacified the agitators.
Police assured the relatives that the matter will be brought to the attention of the district medical and health officer. They said if the mother lodges a complaint, they will book a case. Following this, the relatives gave up their agitation.
The PHC medical officer maintained that the infant had been born with health complications. They had suggested to the father of the baby that the baby requires advanced medicare for which she will be shifted to the Government Hospital in Amalapuram.
The medical officer said she told the father of the baby to wait till the well-equipped ambulance arrives to take the child to the hospital. But he did not heed to her advice and took the baby by an auto to a private hospital.
The medical officer alleged that some of the persons had intentionally attributed the infant’s death to her.
PHC in-charge Dr. Dayana maintained that no medical officer or medical personnel had shown any negligence while providing treatment to both the mother and child at the Primary Health Centre.
